16 June 2026
Art and design meet under the theme of a sustainable future
The “Sustainable Future: Art and Design Research Symposium,” organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts of Istanbul Gelisim University in collaboration with STA Congress, was successfully completed together with its accompanying online group exhibition. Bringing together academics, researchers, artists, and designers, the event explored sustainability from environmental, cultural, and social perspectives while encouraging interdisciplinary dialogue. The online exhibition presented diverse artistic interpretations of sustainability through works from various disciplines and reached a broad audience through digital platforms. The event contributed to the exchange of knowledge and contemporary approaches to sustainable practices in art and design. A digital proceedings book containing the symposium papers is planned to be published following the completion of the editorial process.
Organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Fine Arts of Istanbul Gelisim University and STA Congress, the “Sustainable Future: Art and Design Research Symposium” and the concurrent online group exhibition successfully brought together academics, researchers, artists, and designers around the concept of sustainability. The event provided an important platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and contributed to the exchange of knowledge and ideas in the fields of art and design.
As one of the most significant issues shaping contemporary society, sustainability was addressed through a multidimensional perspective throughout the symposium. Participants discussed a wide range of topics, including sustainable production models, ecological awareness, the preservation of cultural heritage, circular design approaches, and sustainable practices within creative industries. Through presentations and scholarly discussions, sustainability was examined not only in relation to environmental responsibility but also through its social, cultural, economic, and aesthetic dimensions.
The symposium sessions offered a productive environment for sharing current research and innovative perspectives. Academics and researchers presented studies that explored the role of art and design in promoting sustainable development, while artists and designers shared creative practices that reflect contemporary concerns regarding environmental and social sustainability. These exchanges fostered meaningful discussions and encouraged new approaches to addressing global challenges through creative disciplines.
Alongside the symposium, the online group exhibition showcased diverse artistic interpretations of sustainability. Featuring works from various disciplines, including painting, graphic design, photography, digital art, and interdisciplinary practices, the exhibition highlighted the visual and conceptual dimensions of sustainable thinking. By utilizing digital exhibition platforms, the event expanded its accessibility and enabled a wider audience to engage with the featured works beyond geographical limitations.
The exhibition also demonstrated how contemporary technologies can support the dissemination and continuity of artistic production. Through digital presentation methods, participating artists were able to share their work with viewers from different locations, reinforcing the importance of accessibility and sustainability within contemporary cultural practices.
By bringing together academic research and artistic production, the event established a dynamic environment for interdisciplinary collaboration and critical reflection. The symposium and exhibition contributed to the development of new perspectives on sustainability while strengthening professional and academic networks among participants.
The symposium proceedings are currently undergoing editorial and publication processes and are planned to be published digitally in the near future. The publication aims to ensure the long-term accessibility of the research presented during the event and to provide a valuable academic resource for future studies in the fields of art, design, and sustainability.